Aeternum, New City is a large city and every single day, the scale is slowly developing, be it opening a new land plot, or just building a new building that is bigger and taller than others. Everyone from all over Aeternum naturally visited New City every moment in their daily lives. Even those that were from the Renoal Town, which is the Northern most Town in Aeternum territory would come down to New City at least once a week, if they wanted too. Aeternum roads and method of transportation has already destroyed the people belief about the hardships of moving around in a large distance. Those that comes from far away places at the edge and corner of Aeternum can basically travel to the New City and back to their house in a single day.Naturally with such ease and advantage, there were also those that secretly using this comforts and easiness to their own advantages. Therefore aside from the many people in Aeternum, there is those that worked secretly and cowardly in the hidden dark.
The only feasible reactions that an Alemia Royal faction loyalist can give when they heard that Duke Oliver Gust and his entire family and vassal is currently in New City instead of dying from the assassination attempts that the Hidden Hands were supposed to be success at, is nothing but slamming a fist on a table to quell their rages. Nicholas were outright baffled at what he is hearing at, Shad isn’t someone that can make mistake, in fact, all of the Hidden Hands Spies weren’t the type that would make a mistake on recognizing the Alemia Nation nobles, especially the one that is the entire nation should be wary and concerned about.“Duke Oliver is here?..what is he doing here?…didn’t he were just in his territory?…all of the runaways were heading to their territory!…so how?!…why?!!….you said that he was at the Government District right?…where is he heading towards to?..”.(Nicholas)Nicholas were on the verge of a break down, questioning everything that passed through his mind. When i
“...Greetings, Director Mot…I never think that we would be found…but…Apparently I were too naive for my own good….how long has Aeternum knows about us?..”.(Nicholas)Calmly and politely, Nicholas stepped forward before Mot and asked, all the Hidden Hands spies shaking their heads for him not to do so, but Nicholas knows that if Mot were here, then it is game over for all of them, and perhaps for Alemia Nation as well.“A polite and civilized leader…interesting….we know from the start….how many of you..what you were doing..who’s the leader and to whom you provide your services to….for a long time, I can’t be bothered of your presence…and we just decided to let you be by your own…but it was a different story now….so, Nicholas, Leader of the Hidden Hands…you know what is to become of you and your men…now..correct?..”. (Director Of the Internal Audit, Mot)Nicholas could only swallow his bitter saliva, as he heard that this entire time, they have been in the mercy of Aeternum hands, and
In the hidden dark of Aeternum sunny sides, a purge were currently in progress. With the Internal Audit Department, getting a direct order from the Ventral Government Ministry. All of Alemia Nation related organization that were working against Aeternum interest, were all being hunted down and destroyed, without any mercy at all and all of them were prosecuted and trial on the spot. Although the order were to simply just kill and purge everything, Mot as the Director of the Internal Audit herself, refuses to just committing mass genocide without a proper protocol, she would follow her rules and the law to the letter, that is just the way she is, Still despite, that legal following protocol, everything still moving on smoothly.“Sister Elijah, my department has purged, hunted down, prosecuted and confiscated, almost all of the Alemia Nation related organization, be it the spies or their dirty Dark Organizations….Seriously sister…why have you decided to let this kind of people in our co
At the Broadcast centre, things is already moving fast, everyone were busy since the President himself has set foot in the building and has been working for a full day and now entering the second day already. There were a lot to do when it comes to convincing a lot of people at the same time, whilst everyone were doing their part, naturally one of the most essential part of the entire thing also had to worked hard. That ‘s why, Paul, Quara Raedrim and President Mies has been working at full capacity. Thankfully the search for the new news anchor that will be colouring the Aeternum new type of entertainment, has already been picked.“Damon Oak is really unexpectedly charming…for a Dwarf he sure is good looking…”.(Paul)“That’s true…I like him…he is what a personification of a Dwarf should be like…Magnificent fiery red beard, rough looks and excellent deep voice…that guy is perfect..”.Me and Paul were talking about the new news anchor that passed the audition today. His name is Damon O
Excessive words and expression weren’t much needed between me and Mot, we both can just sit here at the edge of the studio and looked at people, for hours if we wanted to, She especially loved it. She told me once that she liked being around me, and didn’t mind just be with me all day. But after we got passed our earlier days and now everyone has their own works and responsibility, she limited herself to be with me to at least once a month. Anubis Demi-Human race, is unique, the were emotionless and also do not have any sexual urges at all, they just live In any form and style the like. And apparently, what is better for an Aeternum Anubis race is that, they dedicated their dedication to the benefits of Aeternum, but for Mot, she dedicated her life for me. So the least that I can do for her is fulfill her needs.“Did you already done with cleaning New City?..”.“...Yes, I did…Executed the all leaders, and also 200 members of them…and I also left 30 of them alive…just like Sister Elija
Meanwhile at the Gust Family Mansion, today their day started perfect. In the morning, the whole family, including the vassal and their family were all moving together in a large groups like a tourist groups. Instead of just driving their carriages or take a taxi like they all used to. Duke Oliver Gust went out of his way, to spend his fortune and appreciate and celebrated the momentous day, by renting an Aeternum Double Decker bus, 2 of them in fact, to use as their vehicles for the entire day. They moved like the super rich naturally, but nevertheless it a happy moment for every single one of them because they were now going to be an Aeternum citizen, finally.For Duke Oliver Gust and his family and vassals, this is something that needed to be celebrated. They have dreamed to be apart of Aeternum and it’s culture and now they are finally being accepted into the fold, in the midst of this trying times. It was a great opportunity and honour to them. Naturally the entire thing proceeds
It was definitely an actions that provoked an awkward response from anyone that has to face it upfront. Thankfully, for Duke Oliver Gust, Vice Manager Leah Willow is a person that is well versed in communication with nobles such as duke himself, laughing. Smiling or anything that isn’t a replies to his enthusiasms is something that can be easily led the Nobles to react hostile, thus as always, Leah Willow naturally treated him with utmost professionalism.“..Of course, it is possible, Great Sir…now If you will, please follow me…we have prepared a special venues to accommodates your registry in an utmost comfort..man as your stature in Aeternum is quite rare..it is only appropriate we treated you and your entourage accordingly…”.( ARCB Vice Manager Leah Willow)“..a bit excessive..but I do understand…hahaha..”.(Duke Oliver Gust)To Duke replies, Leah Willow just smiles. They know that nobles are just too arrogant, especially when in a place of high establishment like this bank, the dif
The project would take time—perhaps years—but its impact would begin in weeks.“Once the roads are in place,” Merrica said, entering her chamber with a report in hand, “we’ll be able to move goods faster, respond to crises quicker, and prepare for the second phase: economic zone development.”Helen took the report with a tired, but satisfied smile. “This… this they will see. This they will believe.”“And when they do,” Merrica said, “they’ll follow.”Late that night, as the wind howled against the palace windows, Helen stood in her private study, gazing out at the flickering torches lining the city streets. In her hand was a smooth, curved stone from the first road pile—just a plain stone, but to her, it was the beginning of a foundation.Her fingers closed around it as she whispered to herself, “Let this road lead us to a better kingdom.” And with that, the first steps into a new Hallerus had begun.The throne room had seen war plans, council betrayals, and royal declarations. But on
The ministers eagerly pointed out their favorite places from their student years.“Over there—that café served synthetic ice cream you have to try.”“That’s the district where I first saw a holographic opera.”“This is where I spent hours in the central library—eight floors of pure knowledge.”Helen listened with quiet amusement and growing wonder. These weren’t just stories. This was the future.They stopped first at a shopping promenade, where modern boutiques lined the plaza. Aeternum fashion—streamlined, elegant, tailored for form and comfort—was on full display.Helen tried on a pale blue dress lined with iridescent threads that shifted color slightly under different lighting. She admired herself in the mirror. Regal, yet free. She hadn’t felt this light in years.Merrica chuckled as she twirled slightly. “Careful. You’ll make the palace tailors obsolete.”Next came the Aeternum cuisine district. The aroma of spices, imported meats, baked delicacies and exotic fruit blends filled
Meerkat sipped from his flask; eyes gleaming. “Monster cores alone could offset our collective energy reliance on Aeternum’s hybrid reactors. If those dungeons are stabilized and regulated under UNA protocols, we’re looking at a resource boom.”Angela arched an eyebrow. “All that assumes stability. A kingdom can’t regulate dungeons if they can’t regulate their own court.”“Well,” Meerkat said with a shrug, “that’s what Merrica’s for, isn’t it?”They all laughed lightly—because it was true. The man’s reputation preceded him. Hallerus may have signed with a queen, but Merrica had built the bridge.Kaneda leaned forward. “It’s risky, but it’s a calculated risk. We’re not signing blind loyalty here. We’re watching. Evaluating. But make no mistake—if this works, Hallerus becomes the keystone of continental connectivity.”Redwall drummed his fingers on his knee. “I suppose that’s why we’re here. Not to clap at the signing. But to see if the queen is truly changed.”“She is,” Angela said qui
“And now, a major announcement: With the signing complete, Hallerus Kingdom is formally inducted into the United Nation Alliance as its thirty-first member. This marks a turning point—not only for Hallerus, but for the entire Central Continent.”“The UNA, now composed of thirty-one sovereign nations, officially becomes the largest unified alliance in the world’s history—its reach, economic power, and strategic cooperation unmatched by any prior coalition.”“Following this event, Aeternum has confirmed it will begin a nationwide rollout of its Super Stores, factories, and humanitarian infrastructure in Hallerus territory. In exchange, Hallerus will provide critical resources and cultural integration into the alliance structure.”“Public reaction is already beginning to surface—here in New City, spontaneous celebrations have begun in the multicultural districts where former Hallerians live. Meanwhile, markets across the UNA are surging in response to the stability this alliance signifie
“I don’t forget betrayal easily,” I said. “And Aeternum doesn’t forget pain lightly. What happened between us—it scarred people. People who trusted Hallerus. Soldiers who bled for your freedom. Civilians who saw us pulled out overnight.”“I know,” Helen said. “And I accept the cost.”“But,” I said, letting the word hang before softening my tone, “I do respect accountability.”Her eyes met mine. “Then we start again?”“We do,” I said, extending a hand.She took it. Her grip was firm.“We bury the hatchet,” I added. “But let’s be clear—this is not a return to old friendship. This is a new foundation. One built on lessons learned.”Helen nodded. “Agreed.”Merrica exhaled, satisfied. “It’s what both sides need.”I looked at Helen, voice calm. “You have a second chance now. Few leaders get that. Don’t waste it.”She nodded again, quietly this time. “I won’t.”“Good,” I said. “Because your people need you more than ever. Rule wisely. Rule well. Let this alliance be your legacy.”For the fir
“We’ll export more to Hallerus—especially food. You’ll need it. In return, we’ll import more raw ore and minerals. Your mining sector’s still decent, right?”“It is.”“Then let’s grow that. More volume, more jobs, more imports on both sides.”He beamed. “Thank you, my friend.”I smiled back. “You’ll find I don’t just use the whip.”“A carrot, then?”“Always. A balanced hand is how you keep control. Too much punishment, and you push people away. Too much reward, and they forget who they owe.”Merrica nodded slowly. “You’ve become a real ruler.”I stood, offering my hand again. “I became what this world needed.”He shook it. “And I’ll make sure Hallerus becomes what Aeternum can trust.”We stood in silence for a moment longer. The sound of cheering still floated in faintly from the streets below. Somewhere out there, Queen Helen was being paraded through New City—through a modern marvel built from vision and precision. Through a world she couldn’t have imagined a year ago.And now, she’
“They’re… happy to see us?” she asked, disbelief in her voice.Duke Merrica gave her a half-smile. “Some of them, yes. The others are watching. Judging. As they should.”One young woman in the crowd, her hair wrapped in Aeternum’s signature style, waved a small Hallerus flag and called out, “Welcome back! My family’s from Archenport—we’re with you!”Helen felt a warmth rise in her chest. Her lips curled, hesitant, but sincere. She lifted a gloved hand and waved back.Her ministers behind her smiled with relief. The people hadn’t forgotten them. Or maybe… maybe Aeternum’s citizens were willing to forgive, even if their leaders were not.Still, with each new marvel the city revealed, her pride took another small wound.Digital traffic signs shifted in real-time. Elevated walkways moved gently above the streets. Tall towers bore solar glass and climate control systems beyond her comprehension. Everything was clean. Efficient. Vibrant.Hallerus, by contrast, was still struggling to clear
“But that’s not all,” he said. “We’re not just building stores. We’re buying land.”Elijah’s eyes narrowed. “Land?”Andrea arched a brow. “Personal Aeternum-controlled territory?”“Exactly,” Mies said. “We’ll negotiate the purchase and designation of sovereign Aeternum land within Hallerus. Locations where we will build permanent structures—embassies, farms, factories. Property they can’t touch. Not legally. Not politically.”Andrea crossed her arms. “You want to turn this alliance into territorial leverage.”“I want security,” Mies said. “We trusted them once. And they betrayed us. This time, we own the pieces on the board. If they want access to food and prosperity, they give us something real in return. Soil.”Elijah nodded. “No oversight from their monarchy. No interference. Full extraterritorial jurisdiction.”Mies smiled. “Exactly. We build an Aeternum that lives inside their walls. One they can’t tear down without declaring war.”Andrea added, “And when we build those farms and
“We’re proud Aeternians now,” said one local organizer. “But we remember where we came from. If we can help fix the old home while serving the new one, why not?”In university lecture halls, students debated passionately.“Strategically, re-integrating Hallerus into Aeternum’s economic sphere is a no-brainer,” one economics major argued. “We’ll be able to shape their policies from within.”“But trust is a currency too,” another replied. “If we spend it on the wrong partner again, we might pay more than we think.”In a small park in the east district, a group of Aeternum veterans sat on a bench, medals on their coats, eyes on the screens showing news footage of Andrea’s visit.“You remember that street?” one said, pointing.“I remember clearing it house by house,” another replied. “They cheered us one day. Chased us out the next.”The youngest of them, silent until now, finally spoke.“We gave them peace once. Maybe it’s time to give them a future.”Silence followed. No one disagreed.